Enterotoxin-producing strains of Clostridium perfringens.can cause antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Features of Clostridium perfringens-associated antibiotic-associated diarrhea:
(1) history of recent antibiotic therapy preceding onset of diarrhea
(2) often age > 60 years (Forward et al)
(3) demonstration of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin in the stool
(4) improvement after antibiotic therapy directed at Clostridium perfringens
Differential diagnosis:
(1) Clostridium difficile and other causes of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (occasionally Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens may both be present)
(2) other disorders caused by Clostridium perfringens
(3) other causes of diarrhea
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